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Thomson’s Tutt picks Auburn during All-American ceremony

THOMSON – With an All-American jersey covering his white dress shirt, Christian Tutt pulled out an Auburn cap as the icing on the cake of a memorable day.

Tutt was the center of Thomson’s attention Tuesday as the school gathered in the gymnasium for a pep rally and presentation in the standout senior’s honor. Tutt was named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and announced his commitment to Auburn.

“Coming from a small town and getting this recognition, I’m blessed,” Tutt said.

Considered a four-star defensive back recruit by Rivals and ESPN, Tutt has been a force for Thomson the past few years. He notched four interceptions last season, despite teams’ best efforts to throw away from him, en route to a state championship appearance.

He’s also one of Thomson’s top all-purpose producers between kick returning, receiving and running out of the wildcat, and he’ll join his teammates in the second round Friday at Americus-Sumter as the Bulldogs aim for another deep playoff run.

Tutt had his pick of major college programs, and the process was extended as he weighed his options. The final three – Auburn, Ohio State and Nebraska – were represented with caps on a table, and Tutt’s mother popped a balloon above the Auburn logo to signal his choice.

“Coach Malzahn, for the next couple years, it’s going to be a good team,” Tutt said. “The situation that they’re in right now, they need cornerbacks. It’s SEC ball, I’m three hours from home, so it was the perfect match for me.”

Tutt said he attended the Auburn-Georgia game this past Saturday and was impressed by the atmosphere at Jordan-Hare Stadium. That visit further solidified the decision, and he’s planning to attend the Iron Bowl against Alabama.

The college decision was a piece of Tuesday’s celebration that included an official selection to the All-American Bowl, which will be held Jan. 6 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The annual all-star game will be televised on NBC at 1 p.m.

The game is billed as the premier high school all-star game, with the 100 best players in the country in an East against West game. Previous contests have featured future Heisman winners and more than 400 future NFL players have participated.

Tutt joins Thomson product John Atkins as the two Bulldogs to be named to the game in its 18-year history.

“It’s a blessing,” he said. “Going down there and competing with these guys, it’s 50 from the East and 50 from the West, what better could it be. I’m getting ready to go down there, prepare myself and play good.”